2002 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 103
2002 Ford Explorer Manual
Page 103 highlights
Driving continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and swing around during braking. Maintenance and Modifications Ford strongly recommends that you do not add or removing steering or suspension parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment. Do not use aftermarket "lift kits" or other suspension modifications. These could adversely affect the vehicle's handling characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over and serious injury. Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. DRIVING THROUGH WATER If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your engine. Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes. Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage. VEHICLE LOADING Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: • Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or aftermarket equipment. • Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating minus base curb weight. • GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload weight. 103